Local Economy

Before addressing some good news for Ephraim City I wanted to share some good news for the State of Utah.  Recently Forbes Magazine rated Utah the "The Best State for Business and Careers."  This is in large part due to the fiscally conservative state that we are.  Businesses appreciate the type of environment this fiscal conservatism has created for their businesses to succeed.

On an more local level, Ephraim City is currently sitting at 13.72% Year-to-Date above last year in sales tax revenue.  Sale tax revenue is the City's number one source of income, so while this is great news, we are still proceeding cautiously entering into 2012.

I would like to wish everyone a very Merry Christmas!   

Intermountain Power Agency (IPA) Annual Meeting

IPA is the owner of the Intermountain Power Project (IPP) located in the Great Basin region of western Utah. IPP generates an average of more than 13 million megawatt hours of energy each year from its two coal-fired units. The energy is delivered over the project's AC and DC transmission systems to 36 participants in the project that principally serve Utah and Southern California.  At the meeting we held discussion on wether to convert the IPP into natural gas.  California purchases roughly 75% of the power generated at the plant and new California state regulations require power useres to retire all their coal generation by 2027.  This could be a big change for this project.  IPP currently is one of the most effective coal genrating facilites in the country.  Those in attendance were also able to hear from Former Utah Governer Norman Bangerter.   

Light Parade 2011

EPHRAIM CITY

ANNUAL ELECTRIC LIGHT PARADE; 2011

          

We would like to invite you to participate in Ephraim City’s Annual Electric Light Parade to be held on Friday, December 2, 2011, starting at 6:00 PM. 

The Theme for this year’s parade is “Christmas is for Everyone!“  There is no entry fee for the parade, so come join us as a fun way to kick off the holiday season. 

If you would like to be in the parade please fill out the parade entry form at City Hall.

Top of the Mountains Bowl

 

It is time to support our Badger Football team at the Top of the Mountains Bowl.  Snow College (#16) will take on Eastern Arizona Community College (#17) at Rio Tinto Stadium in Sandy, Utah. Kick-off is set for noon. Proceeds from the game will go to the Snow College Founation for general scholarships. Tickets are available at riotintostadium.com or by calling 1-888-477-5849.

Tickets are $15 for reserved premium seating and $10 for general admission. University, college and high school students may purchase tickets for $5 with a student ID. Tickets will also be available on game day approximately one-and-a-half hours before kickoff.

Occupy Ephraim?

At first glance I thought the "Occupy Wall-Street" movement may have found its way onto main street in Ephraim.  However, upon further investigation I realized those on the streets were not political idealist protesting corporate greed, or some other issue, but rather dedicated Twilight fans anticipating the opening of the latest Twilight movie.  I guess we will not need law enforcement to keep the peace, maybe? 

Congressman Chaffetz

On November 10, 2011 Representative Chaffetz attended the Sanpete County Mayor and Commissioner meeting held in Ephraim.  Rep. Chaffetz discussed the nations current financial situation, the Narrows project, and other issues pertaining to our federal government.  His time and attendance was greatly appreciated. 

GET OUT AND VOTE

To all Ephraim Residents:  Today is our municipal election.  Voting will take place at the Senior Center and will end at 8:00 pm. 

2011_VOTING

Early voting at Ephraim City Hall:

      October 25 - November 4

      Monday-Friday 8:00 - 5:00

General Election will be held on November 8th at the Ephraim

Senior Center from 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.

Governor Herbert Visit

Today Governor Herbert Visited Sanpete County and made a stop in Ephraim at Bailey Farms International.  The Governor spoke about his economic development plan and his desire to help rural Utah succeed and create jobs. 

September 26, 2011

It has been a very busy two weeks.  Two weeks ago the Utah League of Cities and Towns held their annual fall conference in Salt Lake City.  The conference addressed multiple issues, including economic development, taxing issues, development for small cities, GRAMA, and other topics important to cities and towns.  Last week I attended the Rural Smart Grid Summit held in Bonita Springs, Florida.  This summit was focused on the development and implementation of smart meters and smart grids.  Smart meters allow for two way communication between the utility and the meter.  The whole electrical grid system is changing and it was great to gain information on cutting edge technologies available for grid systems.   

Payment Drop Box

For all those who place their utility payments in the outside drop box it has been moved to a new location.  It is now in the east parking lot behind the city building.  We hope this change allows for less congestion in the alley way (where it was previously) and should be easier to keep snow and ice cleared away from around the box. 

Primary Elections September 13, 2011

To all Ephraim City Residents:  The 2011 primary elections are being held September 13, 2011 at the Ephraim Senior Center.  Polls will open at 8:00 am and close at 8:00 pm. 

Early Voting

Just a reminder that early voting has begun.  To cast an early ballot come to City Hall between the hours of 8:00 am and 5:00 pm Monday through Friday.  We have nine candidates and you will cast a vote for three and the top six will move on past the primary election (September 13, 2011) to the general election where the final three candidates will be voted for.  

Welcome to Ephraim

The Fall 2011 semester officially begins today at Snow College.  Welcome to Ephraim and thank you for being here.  Snow College has withstood the test of time and become one of the best junior colleges in the country and we are grateful to have them in our great City. 

Ephraim City Days-August 20, 2011

We had a great time at this years Ephraim City Days.  Our good Mayor was even dunked a few times.  Thank you to all those who made this a great event.

Ephraim City Days

EVERYBODY PLEASE COME TO THE EPHRAIM CITY DAYS CELEBRATION!!! It is this Saturday from 2:00 - 5:00 p.m. in front of City Hall. There will be free ice cream for everyone and a free inflatible slide for the kids. Dunk the Mayor and shop the sidewalk sales. It should be a fun time for everyone

Utah Rural Summit

Spent the day in Cedar City at the annual Utah rural Summit.  Heard from Lieutenant Governor Bell and he shared a favorable information on the state of Utah's economy.  I attended several sessions regarding the nurturing of technology business in rural Utah and the theory and application of economic gardening in an effort to cultivate and help our local businesses grow.  It was a great day.

Water Issues

The photo above is of one of the City's diversions.  Last fall there was no overhang.  We built up boulders and other material in an effort to support our diversion structure but the sheer force of the spring runoff washed away a 15'-20' pile of boulders away.  We are currently working on finding a more sustainable fix for supporting the overhanging structure.

July 6, 2011

The regularly scheduled council meeting is canceled for tonight and the next council meeting will be July 20, 2011.  Our runoff water levels seem to have peaked and we got away with no major flooding.  Thank you to the Irrigation Company, city employees, elected officials, and the countless volunteers for working to mitigate any potential flooding. 

Elections

Just a reminder that the Ephraim city council will have three seats available for this years election.  They are four year terms.  Forms for candidates are available at City Hall or at www.ephraimcity.org.  Turn them in by July 15, 2011 with a $25.00 filing fee. 

June 22, 2011

Today at 4:30 in the City Council chambers the FY 2011-2012 budget will be presented and adopted.  Come be involved in the budget process.  Also, today I met with the Division of Water Quality and Ephraim's loan request for our sewer expansion project was approved.